As a PGA of America Member for almost three decades, I’ve been privileged to witness the player engagement evolution. While the game remains deeply rooted in tradition and history, the way we interact with players has undergone a dynamic change. PGA of America Player Engagement Consultants (PEC) are at the heart of this evolution.
Leveraging our collective experience and insights, PECs are pioneering new ways to enhance player involvement and advance coach training. Our mission is to drive meaningful change in golf operations, with relationship-driven support for our PGA of America Members and Associates at the forefront.
Understanding the Multidimensional Role of a Player Engagement Consultant: In today’s changing golf landscape, the role of a PEC is always adapting. As PECs, our main goal is to enhance value for PGA of America Professionals and their facilities. Our objective is clear: Help them identify and seize opportunities that allow them to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
A significant portion of our responsibilities involves delivering branded player engagement products like PGA Jr. League. By tailoring these programs to a facility’s unique needs, we ensure they offer substantial benefits to both new and seasoned golfers. One shining example of a PGA of America Professional taking advantage of this ideal is Wes Lawhorn at Salina (Kansas) Country Club. He saw an opportunity for his community with PGA Jr. League programming (pictured). He also partnered with a course some 40 minutes away, Turkey Creek Golf Course, and currently has 55 juniors who have never had this type of opportunity – all facilitated by picking up the phone and asking questions.
Promoting education through the American Development Model (ADM) also holds tremendous importance for the golf industry, and PECs are at the center of supporting golf professionals in understanding how, where and why they can apply these principles. By utilizing ADM, PGA Coaches aim to craft positive, lasting experiences for participants at every level, helping them excel and navigate the skill development journey.
Another critical aspect of a PEC’s role is nurturing relationships with PGA Sections, field teams like our Career Consultants and recruiters, and individuals involved in the promotion and management of the game. This collaborative approach not only fosters unity, but also enables local facilities and the game as a whole to reap the benefits.
Defining Success – Indicators That Matter: Success as a Player Engagement Consultant isn’t just an aspirational goal, it’s a measurable reality. Beyond financial growth, our mission is to enhance player satisfaction and loyalty – cornerstones of long-term success for any golf establishment – as well as work-life balance and fulfillment for PGA of America Professionals.
Monitoring participation and growth metrics within PGA products and training programs is essential. These metrics guide us in continuously adapting strategies to foster ongoing growth and engagement. Furthermore, maintaining regular feedback loops with Section Executive Directors and field staff ensures open and effective communication, enabling us to be agile and responsive to evolving needs.
The Profound Impact of Dedicated Consultants: Offering a personalized approach is paramount to what I do, so I tailor solutions to fit the unique needs of each facility within the Gateway, Gulf States, Midwest and South Central PGA Sections. We understand that each Section, with its distinctive culture, offers different challenges and opportunities – a diversity I genuinely appreciate. My extensive experience in mentoring and leadership roles empowers me to provide customized advice, ensuring strategies are not just effective but also long lasting.
My career in performance excellence and organizational leadership highlights the broader impact PECs can have within the golf industry. Through data analytics and performance monitoring, we offer actionable insights to guide strategic decision making. Moreover, our expertise in budget management allows PECs to align financial operations with growth objectives effectively. This careful financial stewardship ensures that resources are utilized wisely, supporting lasting impact and success.
Making the Most of Your Player Engagement Consultant: When you invite PECs into your strategic planning processes, you’re not just driving immediate value creation; you’re laying the foundation for long-term golf community growth and engagement. My journey as a PEC exemplifies how we can elevate player engagement, reinforce human connections and enhance organizational success. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
The indispensable role PECs play and the necessity of leveraging our comprehensive skills for modern golf operations can assist your success. Together, let's propel golf to the forefront of innovation and engagement while cherishing its rich tradition. n
Ginger Brown Lemm, PGA, is a Player Engagement Consultant serving the Gateway, Gulf States, Midwest and South Central PGA Sections. She’s at gblemm@pgahq.com or (662) 418-2575.
